System and method for on-demand electrical power

ABSTRACT

A system and method for system for providing on-demand renewable energy are provided. The system comprises at least one power unit for converting environmental energy into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is drawn from the at least one power unit; and a regulator for controlling an amount of the electrical power drawn from the at least one power unit based on an authorization rule, wherein the authorization rule is checked upon each attempt to draw the electrical power from the at least one power unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of PCT Application No.PCT/IL2013/050587 filed on Jul. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit ofIsraeli Patent Application No. 61/670,619 filed on Jul. 12, 2012. All ofthe applications referenced above are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for providingoff-grid renewable electrical power on demand, and more particularly toa system that enables a user to purchase off-grid renewable electricalpower based on user while preventing electricity or system theft.

BACKGROUND

Renewable energy, and in particular energy generated by solarphotovoltaic panels or wind/water turbines, can be particularly suitablefor developing countries since in such countries transmission anddistribution of energy generated from fossil fuels can be difficult andexpensive.

Advances in technology and reduction in manufacturing costs make solarenergy an attractive alternative to energy generated from fossil fuels.Over the 2008-2011 period, the price of photovoltaic modules per MW hasfallen by over 60%.

Approximately 1.5 billion people around the world do not have access togrid electricity (off-grid). An additional 1 billion are connected tounreliable grids. Even though these people are typically poor, they payfar more for lighting than people in western countries because they useinefficient energy sources (kerosene) which are far costlier than gridelectricity or environmentally-produced energy.

Renewable energy projects in many developing countries have demonstratedthat renewable energy can directly contribute to economic developmentand poverty alleviation by providing the energy needed for creatingbusinesses and employment as well as providing energy for cooking, spaceheating and cooling, lighting etc. In addition, renewable energy canalso contribute to education, by providing electricity to schools aswell as home based education.

Although the case for renewable energy in developing countries iscompelling, there remains a problem of how to finance deployment ofrenewable energy systems such as photovoltaic panels in areas where thepopulation cannot afford to purchase such systems or finance the coststypically associated with deployment of such systems, and especiallywhen such systems are prone to theft, as they are easily detached.

Thus, it would be highly advantageous to have a system which can providepay-per-use renewable energy without the financial burden typicallyassociated with deployment of such systems from the consumer side, whileproviding the necessary security for the operator so that systemcomponents and/or electricity are not stolen.

SUMMARY

A summary of several example aspects of the disclosure follows. Thissummary is provided for the convenience of the reader to provide a basicunderstanding of such embodiments and does not wholly define the breadthof the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or allaspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or moreembodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later. For convenience, the term someembodiments may be used herein to refer to a single embodiment ormultiple embodiments of the disclosure.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a system for providingon-demand renewable energy. The system comprises at least one power unitfor converting environmental energy into electrical power, wherein theelectrical power is drawn from the at least one power unit; and aregulator for controlling an amount of the electrical power drawn fromthe at least one power unit based on an authorization rule, wherein theauthorization rule is checked upon each attempt to draw the electricalpower from the at least one power unit.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a method of providingon-demand renewable energy. The method comprises checking if at least anauthorization rule is satisfied; and controlling by a regulator anamount of the electrical power drawn from the at least one power unitbased on the satisfied authorization rule, wherein the authorizationrule is checked upon each attempt to draw the electrical power from theat least one power unit.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein further include a system forproviding on-demand renewable energy. The system comprises at least onepower unit for converting environmental energy into electrical power;and an anti-theft unit for preventing unauthorized use of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out anddistinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification.The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a system forproviding on-demand electrical power according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a single-housing system forproviding on-demand electrical power according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a photovoltaic power unit connected toa regulator according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an anti-theft mechanism integrated intoa photovoltaic panel according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed herein are onlyexamples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachingsherein. In general, statements made in the specification of the presentapplication do not necessarily limit any of the various claimedembodiments. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventivefeatures but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated,singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss ofgenerality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts throughseveral views.

Certain exemplary embodiments include of a system which can be used toprovide on-demand electricity on a pay-per-use payment model and as suchis particularly advantageous for use in off-grid regions of the world.

Although renewable energy systems are a promising source of energy fordeveloping countries, deployment of renewable energy systems such asphotovoltaic panels in rural areas can be costly and beyond thefinancial capabilities of individuals. This is one reason why villagersstill use kerosene lamps for heating and cooking at a cost ofapproximately $0.40-$0.50 per day.

Financing schemes are currently difficult to deploy. This is mainly dueto the fact that the systems used for electricity generation, as well asthe electricity produced by these systems, can be easily stolen.

In one embodiment a renewable energy system that is specificallysuitable for providing electricity on a pay-per-use basis is provide.This allows to provide off-grid individuals with a low-cost andrenewable source of energy while also providing the operator with thesecurity that the equipment and/or electricity generated therefrom arenot stolen, without a need for an upfront investment in infrastructure.

Thus, according an embodiment, there is provided a system for providingrenewable energy to a subject. As used herein, the term “renewableenergy” refers to energy produced by renewable resources, specificallyenvironmental energy sources such as the sun (solar energy converted toheat or electricity), water (hydroelectric or wave generators), wind,and the earth (geothermal energy).

The system includes at least one power unit for converting environmentalenergy into electrical power. The power unit can include a solar panelfor converting solar energy to heat, a photovoltaic (PV) panel forconverting solar energy to electricity, a hydroelectric generator forconverting energy from flow of water (river flow, waterfall) toelectricity, a wave generator for converting wave energy to electricity,and/or a wind turbine for converting wind energy to electricity. Thesystem can include any number of power units deployed over land, onbuildings, on trees, and in or over water. The power unit can includeinternal theft and tamper-resistant mechanisms, which are controlled bythe regulator or a separate unit (as described hereunder).

A typical set up of photovoltaic configuration of the present system caninclude one or more photovoltaic panels such as, for example,mono-crystalline, polycrystalline or thin film panels. The presentsystem can also include an electrical power storage unit (e.g., acapacitor or a battery) for storing electrical power produced by thepower unit. Examples of storage units that can be used with the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, lead-acid, NiMh andLithium-ion batteries, electrical capacitors, and flow cells.

The present system also includes a regulator for controlling an amountof electrical power drawn from the power unit or from the electricalpower storage unit based on authorization rules. Such authorizationrules can be related to, but are not limited to, purchases of electricalpower by the subject (pay-per-use, pre or post-paid) and system theft(reported theft by system owner or suspicion based on internal rulessuch as system location).

As is further described in detail herein below, the regulator enablespay-per-use provisions of electricity while also optionally providingcommunications (wired or wireless) and/or tamper-resistant mechanisms.The regulator can limit the electrical energy (current) that can bedrawn from the power unit or from the electrical power storage unit by auser based on a kilowatt-hour (KWh) or time purchase either prior to orfollowing use. In the latter case, the regulator can provide therequested electrical energy (based on time or cost) and request paymentfollowing use, with further provisions of energy depending on receipt ofpayment for the initial provision.

Purchase can be made via a credit card, debit card, cellular telephone(via a mobile payment platform such as SMS, near field communication,and so on), or by buying pre-paid cards with codes to input into thesystem or the like. Payment can be made via a user interface integratedwith the system (e.g., a credit and/or debit card reader, a Near Fieldcommunication module, and so on) or it can be made to a central servercommunicating with the present system via wireless communication (e.g.,a communications network based satellite, a cellular or IPcommunication, and so on).

The regulator also provides the following functions: it ensures thatelectricity can only be drawn from the power unit or electrical powerstorage unit based on the purchase rules (pre or post payment); itrenders the system inoperable (such that electricity cannot be drawnout) if tampered with or moved (e.g., if the system is stolen); itprovides location-based information that can be used to protect fromtheft; it can provide the system operator with monitoring capabilitieson production and use; it can provide internet connectivity; it canprovide Internet Protocol television (IPTV); and it can allowindividuals to sell purchased electricity to others.

Several configurations of the power unit(s) and regulator can bedeployed in rural or urban areas. A single power unit and regulator canbe integrated into a single housing and deployed as a small home unit.Alternatively, several power units can be electrically wired to a singleregulator (local or remote) and used to provide power to a larger home,a school, or a village. A third configuration includes a power unit or aplurality of power units which are deployed in a multi-houseconfiguration, in which the master system can feed multiple clients. Afourth configuration includes a master system (power units andregulator) which allows resale of power generated by one client to otherclients.

A more detailed description of the present system is providedhereinbelow with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of asystem 10 for providing on-demand electrical power according to anembodiment. System 10 includes a photovoltaic panel power unit 12 (anarray or several arrays of PV cells) which is connected to a regulator14 for controlling power output from the power unit 12 and/or from anoptional storage unit (not shown), wherein such a connection can beencrypted to increase security. System 10 also optionally includes astorage unit 18 (e.g., a Lithium-ion battery) and an antenna 20 forenabling wireless communication with system 10.

The single-panel power unit 12 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. It will beunderstood, however, that alternative configurations of the system 10which include several PV panels and one or more regulators(co-integrated or not) are also envisaged herein.

The components described above can be integrated into a single housing16 (FIG. 2) which includes a square or rectangular frame and a sub-frameassembly co-fabricated with the frame or attached thereto and configuredto support the components describe above. Alternatively, thesecomponents can be separately housed and interconnected via wires.

As is shown in FIG. 4, housing 16 can further include a fronttransparent panel 22 (glass or polymer) for covering and protecting PVcells 24 of power unit 12 from the environment and from misuse or abuse.

System 10 can further include a global positioning system (GPS) unit 26;a communication module 28 (connected to antenna 20) for satellite,cellular, or internet communication; an accelerometer/gyroscope 30;and/or proximity sensors (not shown) (e.g. sensors that identifyphysical proximity between power unit 12 and regulator 14). Thesecomponents can be integrated into a single system on a chip (SoC) whichincludes GPS, cellular and WiFi radio, as well as accelerometers, agyroscope, and the like. GPS unit 26 (as well as theaccelerometer/gyroscope 30) functions can be used to prevent abuse ofsystem 10 by, for example, limiting power provision from power unit 12only to a predetermined geographical location (set by the operator), bydetecting unauthorized moving or tampering of system 10 as is furtherdescribed hereinbelow, or by triggering audio and light alarmsimplemented inside housing 16.

A user interface can be mounted on housing 16 or provided as aseparately housed unit connected to regulator 14 via wired or wirelesscommunication. The user interface can include a payment module (e.g., acard slot or NF communication module) and a button/display for selectingtime, KWh, or amount of payment for pre-purchase.

It will be appreciated that the functions of the user interface can alsobe provided via a smartphone running a dedicated application foraccepting payment and communicating with regulator 14 (via BlueTooth,WiFi, and the like) or via a centralized server which is incommunication with regulator 14 through communication module 28. In thelatter case, power can be (pre-) purchased by communicating with theserver via SMS, a web interface, or the like.

Housing 16 can also include mounting hardware for mounting on aplatform, a roof, a tree (position sensors like GPS and accelerometersneed the ability to compensate for installation instability by adjustingtolerances to trigger theft or misuse situations), and the like.

System 10 can include protection mechanisms for preventing theft ormisuse. Such mechanisms can be integrated into power unit 12 orregulator 14. Although such a mechanism is preferably deployed alongwith the pay-per-use functions described herein, they can also beseparately integrated into a power unit to prevent theft of system 10 ortheft of electricity therefrom.

Protection mechanisms can include physical barriers such as plastic andmetal coverings, self-destruct mechanisms (e.g. breakage of wafers,glass covers, rupturable paint capsules in a PV panel 38, or breakabledrive units in wind turbines), and/or electronic barriers such as fuses32 and/or normally open switches (secure relays) for disconnect 36 ornormally closed switches for short circuit (integrated into power unit12 and/or regulator 14), as well as switches that require remote commandto enable operation of the PV panel.

One example of a self-destruct-mechanism can include springs trappedbetween the glass covers in a compressed state such that they apply anoutward force on the glass covers. Any attempt to drill through theglass covers can cause the springs' outward force to shatter the glassand render the PV panel unusable. Another self-destruct mechanism caninclude spikes embedded in a compressible layer trapped within the glasscovers. Any attempt to drill the glass covers would compress this layerand drive the spikes into the PV cells or glass covers, therebyrendering the PV panel unusable.

An example of an electronic barrier can include vibration-sensitiveswitches or fuses that disconnect the circuitry of PV cells 24 whenactivated. To assist in identification of system misuse or theft,regulator 14 of system 10 can include CPU 34 which can process signalsfrom GPS unit 26, accelerometer/gyroscope 30, electronic connectionbetween regulator 14, and power unit 12 (e.g., encrypted circuitry andpower flow 31), or proximity sensors to identify movement of system 10or separation of the regulator 14 from the power unit 12, andcommunicate such information to a central server, activate fuse 32,and/or normally open switches 36.

Physical barriers would function as the first deterrent againsttempering. If, however, regulator 14 is disconnected from power unit 12,fuse(s) 32 and/or normally open switch 36 (FIGS. 3, 4) would beactivated and power unit 12 would be rendered useless.

Moreover, system 10 can physically or electronically self-destruct (vialocal command from CPU 24 or a remote command delivered via wirelesscommunication) when “system misuse” is identified (via accelerometer,GPS physical separation between regulator 14 and power unit 12). Misuseevents are typically identified when: system 10 is reported stolen;system 10 is identified as stolen by the GPS; a movement of system 10 isidentified via an accelerator or via GPS; a disconnection of wires isidentified; and regulator 14 is removed from power unit 12 (wherein theremoval may be identified by lack of communication, a disconnectionbetween wires, a disconnection between proximity sensors, and so on).

The present system can be provided to an off-grid location for free orat a very significant subsidy. The system can be installed on-site orprovided as a kit for self-installation. A typical single householdsystem would cost under $200. Since this cost is oftentimes too high foran off-grid population, the end user will purchase usage rights on apay-per-use basis at under one US dollar; payment will be processedthrough SMS billing or scratch cards. Such a business model allowsflexibility per country and per operator. The system is not limited to aspecific billing scheme and allows each distributor/operator to definethe best payment scheme for each country.

For example, operator A in country B can decide to charge a small downpayment and a minimum use of X days per month. Since the cost of energytoday is $0.40 at a minimum per family, a similar cost is assumed.Alternatively, some users would buy the system at full cost, and wouldenjoy the anti-theft aspects themselves.

In addition to electrical power, the present system can also provideinternet access via pay per use model or on a monthly fee basis. A usercan be offered the option of purchasing internet access instead ofelectricity or in addition thereto. The system can also provideTelevision services over IP via cellular communications, satellitecommunication, or other form of wireless communication. The system canalso support more complex billing packages, for example, gettingdiscounted electricity in return for cell phone usage.

It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant powerunits will be developed and the scope of the term power unit is intendedto include all such new technologies a priori.

The various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as hardware,firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Moreover, the softwareis preferably implemented as an application program tangibly embodied ona program storage unit or computer readable medium consisting of parts,or of certain devices and/or a combination of devices. The applicationprogram may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising anysuitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on acomputer platform having hardware such as one or more central processingunits (“CPUs”), a memory, and input/output interfaces. The computerplatform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code.The various processes and functions described herein may be either partof the microinstruction code or part of the application program, or anycombination thereof, which may be executed by a CPU, whether or not sucha computer or processor is explicitly shown. In addition, various otherperipheral units may be connected to the computer platform such as anadditional data storage unit and a printing unit. Furthermore, anon-transitory computer readable medium is any computer readable mediumexcept for a transitory propagating signal.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the disclosed embodiment and the concepts contributed by the inventorto furthering the art, and are to be construed as being withoutlimitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the disclosed embodiments, as well as specific examplesthereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functionalequivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalentsinclude both currently known equivalents as well as equivalentsdeveloped in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing on-demand renewableenergy, comprising: at least one power unit for converting environmentalenergy into electrical power, wherein the electrical power is drawn fromthe at least one power unit; and a regulator for controlling an amountof the electrical power drawn from the at least one power unit based onan authorization rule, wherein the authorization rule is checked uponeach attempt to draw the electrical power from the at least one powerunit.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the authorization rule is atleast one of: a purchase requirement, and a misuse event requirement. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the purchase requirement is at least oneof: a pre-provision purchase requirement, and a post-provision purchaserequirement.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the system furthercomprises at least one of: a self-destruct mechanism, at least oneelectronic barrier, at least one switch, a gyroscope, and accelerometer,a global positioning system (GPS) unit, and at least one proximitysensor.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the self-destruct mechanismactivates upon failure to meet the misuse event requirement.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said at least one power unit includes anarray of photovoltaic cells.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theelectrical power can only be drawn from the at least one power unitthrough the regulator.
 8. The system of claim 8, wherein the regulatorcomprises a user interface for conducting a purchase of the electricalpower.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the regulator controls theamount of the electrical power drawn from the at least one power unitbased on the purchase.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone power unit and the regulator are contained in a single housing. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one power unit is any oneof: at least one solar panel, a wind turbine, a wave generator, and ahydroelectric generator.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising:an electrical power storage unit for storing the electrical powerconverted by the at least one power unit.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the electrical power storage unit is any one of: a lead-acidbattery, a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Lithium-ion battery, a flowcell, and a capacitor.
 14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: acommunication module for providing at least one of: Internet access, anda television service.
 15. A method of providing on-demand renewableenergy, comprising: checking if at least an authorization rule issatisfied; and controlling by a regulator an amount of the electricalpower drawn from the at least one power unit based on the satisfiedauthorization rule, wherein the authorization rule is checked upon eachattempt to draw the electrical power from the at least one power unit.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the authorization rule is at leastone of: a purchase requirement, and a misuse event requirement.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the purchase requirement is at least one of:a pre-provision purchase requirement, and a post-provision purchaserequirement.
 18. A system for providing on-demand renewable energy,comprising: at least one power unit for converting environmental energyinto electrical power; and an anti-theft unit for preventingunauthorized use of the system.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein theanti-theft unit comprises at least one of: a self-destruct mechanism, atleast one electronic barrier, at least one switch, a gyroscope, andaccelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) unit, and at least oneproximity sensor.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the self-destructmechanism is at least one of: a glass cover, a breakable wafer, a paintcapsule in a photovoltaic panel, and a breakable drive in a windturbine.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the anti-theft unitactivates upon any of: the system is reported as stolen, the GPS unitindicates that the system has moved, the gyroscope indicates that thesystem has moved, the accelerometer indicates that the system has moved,and a wire in the system becomes disconnected.